Wood component member cutting apparatus



Jan. 26, 1965 s. MAYO Re. 25,715

woon COMPONENT MEMBER CUTTING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct, 9', 1961 s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

GEORGE L. MA YO BY WM. T. fliydz AT TORNEY Jan. 25, 1965 f G. MAYO Re. 25,715

WOOD COMPONENT MEMBER CUTTING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 9, 1961 e Sheets-Sheet 2 T n M k m 2' MN m Q LL t o, O

'QI/ r\ LO INVENTOR.

GEORGE L. MAYO ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1965 e. MAYO Re. 25,715

woon COMPONENT MEMBER cu'muc APPARATUS Original Filed 001;. 9, 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

GEORGE L. MAYO ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1965 G. L. MAYO Re. 25,715

woon COMPONENT MEMBER cu'mnc APPARATUS Original Filed 001,. 9, 1961 6 Sheets5heet 4 207 W2 I INVENTOR.

/Q BY GEORGE L. MAYO H? 0! %m. ru w V ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1965 MAYO Re. 25,715

IIj/ WOOD COMPONENT MEMBER CUTTING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 9, 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. IO

INVENTOR.

GEORGE L. MAYO ATTORNEY Jan. 26, 1965 G; L MAYO Re. 25,715

WOOD COM ON MEMBER CUTTING APPARATUS Original Filed Oct. 9, 1961 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. GEORGE L. MAYO BY wm. T. M

' ATTORNEY United States Patent This invention relates to wood component member cutting apparatus, and more particularly to apparatus for mass producing pre-cut wood members to be used in building construction.

Building construction. costs are determined to a large extent by the labor involved. f In recent years, the labor required for fabrication of wood portions of buildings. at

Re. 25,715 Reissued Jan. 26, 1965 Another object of this invention is to provide a roof truss member cutting machine embodying improved mechanism and mechanism arrangements.

These and other objects are effected by this invention as will be apparent from the following description taken in accordance with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a wood component member cutting machine in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, but with some portions simplified, and with the scrap ejectors omitted; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the machine of FIG. 1, but some parts omitted forclarity;

FIG. 3 is. a section view taken at lines 33 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a front elevational view, partially in section,

. showing a typical conveyor;

the building site has been greatly reduced by the provision of power saws. workman in most cases still measures each piece of lum: ber individually and makes one cut at a time. tomake further significant gains in labor savings, itis necessary that as much of the lumber as possible be precut and fabricated before being moved to the building site.

Even with such power saws, the

The most promising .trend in this direction'is that FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the conveyor of FIG. 4, with portions broken away;

FIG. 6 is a schematic .plan view, partially in section, showing portions of the carriage for the linearly movable saws;

*FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing details of the linearly movable saws;

In order of providing pre-cut and ure-fabricated building compo nents. This trend includes pre-fabricated building units,

but it is even more significant in the building component area. Some typical building components that lend themselves to pre-cutting and prefabrication are roof trusses, wall sections, door openings, window openings, and floor sections. Some typical building members that may be pre-cut for usfe'in fabrication of building components are roof truss members, rafters, studs, tloor joists, and ceiling joists.

The trend toward pre-fabricated building components I emphasizes "the needfor effective machinery which is capable of rapidly, accurately, and economically pre-cutting wood members of building components, and it is the general object of this invention to provide such machinery.

More particularly, it is anobject of this invention to provide an improved machine which is capable of making one or more end angle cuts on both ends of wood members being conveyed through the machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine which is capable of making angle end cuts on both ends of wood members being conveyed through the machine, and wherein the cutting angles may be readily changed without changing the length of the wood members.

:Another object of this invention is to provide an improved machine which is especially effective for cutting,

roof truss members on a mass production basis.

Another object of this invention is to provide an im proved roof truss member cutting machine wherein the machine can bequickly and easily adjusted for production 'of any one of many different roof truss members.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved roof truss member cutting machine wherein saw angle adjustments can'be made directly from indicia marked on the machine in truss terms.

FIG. 8 (Sheet 3) is a fragmentary schematic side elevational view showing the angle positioning mechanism for the 'No. 4 saw and the carriage drive mechanism;

FIG. 9 isa schematic fragmentary view showing details of the carriage and the No. 3 saw positioning mechanism;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view showing de- A tails of the No. 2. saw angle positioning mechanism;

FIG. 1 1 (Sheet'l) is a'schematic fragmentary View showing further details of the No. 2 saw angle positioning mechanism, and a typical brake mechanism;

FIG. 12 (Sheet 5) is a fragmentary; schematic view showing details of the angle positioning mechanism for the No. 1 saw; 7

FIG. 13 (Sheet "1) is a fragmentary schematic View showing details of a portion of the machine main frame side member'an'd rack rail structure; V 1

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 (Sheet 5) are schematic views of the indicia scales for the No. 2, No. 1, andNo. 4 saws, respectively;

FIG, 17 is a schematic. perspective view to aid in explanation of the principles of the invention; 1 p

'FJG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the angular adjusting ranges and pivot axis position forthe No. 1 and No. 2 saws; Y

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the angular adjusting ranges and pivot axis position for the No. -3 and No. 4

saws; V g I FIG. 20 is a fragmentary schematic side'elevational'view of a typical roof truss;

nos. 21 through 24 (Sheet 6) are schematic views illustrating the cutting of the various members of the roof trusses of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 (Sheet 13) is a schematic perspective view of a conveyor shoe; and I V FIG. 26 (Sheet 4) is a :schematic elevational vie-w show ing details of vertical adjustment-means for No.. 2 and 3 saiws.

Referringdnow to the drawings, and, particularly to- FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there is shown a wood component member cutting machine includinga main frame structure 11, a No. 1 saw assembly, a No. 2 saw assembly, a No. 3 saw a assembly, and a No. 4 saw assembly. For reference convenience herein the left end of the machine as viewed in FIG. 1 will be consideredas the front, the right end as the rear, the near side as the left side, and the far side as the right side.

The No. l and No. 2 saw assemblies are located at the front end portion of the main frame 11 and are fixed so as to have no longitudinal movement relative to the main frame. The No. 1 saw is located on the right side portion While the No. 2 saw is located on the left side portion. The No. 3 and 'No. 4 saw assemblies are mounted on a carriage assembly 13 which is arranged forlongitudinal movement on the mainframe 11. The No. 4 saw is located on the right side portionpwhile the No. 3 saw is located on theleft side portion.

The machine furtherincludes a front conveyer as sembly 15, an intermediate conveyer assembly 17, and a carriage conveyer assembly 19. These conveyer assemblies are identical, with the exception that the'frontconveyer assembly 15 is fixed to the main frame structure 11,

while the intermediate conveyer assembly "17 is movable longitudinally of'the main frame structure, andthe car- .riage conveyer assembly 19 is mountedonto the carriage assembly 13 for movement therewith.

The machine further includes a conveyer drive assembly 21, an intermediate conveyer longitudinal transverse drive assembly 23, a carriage drive, assembly '25, a front .hood assembly 27, a carriagehood assembly '29, anda machine control assembly 31;

The machine main frame structure 11 includes a pair of base members 33, a pair of side members" 35, a plurality of transverse brace members 37, a plurality of up; right members 39, and a front end extension structure 41'. v The base members 33 are parallelspaced juxtaposed channel members running thelength of the machine less the front extension, and'rest on the floor or other bearing surfaceupon which the machine is located. 'The transverse brace members 37 extend mutually parallel and bridge between and rest upon the basemem'bersat con,- venient spaced intervals along the base member length,

4 conveyer 19 to run on, and second, they provide gears for the carriage drive pinions 55 to act upon to traverse the carriage assembly 13 longitudinally along the side members 35. One carriage drive pinion 55 is shown in FIG. 13. I

The front end extension structure 41 includes a pair of juxtaposed parallel spaced side sheet members 57 made of heavy gauge metal plate stock. These side members 57 have the general shape of an isosceles triangle with one side margin fixed, as by welding, to a respective front end upright member 39, the other side margin extending fr-outwardly from said respective support member in line with the upper margin of a respective main frame side member for most of its length and then merging with an integral upward extension portion 59. The base margin of the respective side sheet member'57 extends upwardly and frontwardly from the'lower end of the respective upright member 39. Thesefront end extension side sheet members 57 are suitably re-enforced and braced by means not shown, so that the structure is sufficiently rigid for its purpose. The upward extension portions 59 of the side sheet members 57 serve asa base for supporting the front hood assembly 27, a portion of the control assembly 31, and a front hold-down ski assembly 61.

As hereinbefore stated, the machine has four saws. No. 1 and No. 2 saws are located at the front of the machine, and No. .3 and No. 4 saws are mounted on the carriage 13. Each of the saw assemblies includes a respective saw blade63, a respective electric'motor 65, and a respective pivot arm-'structure'olfih, 71, 73. In addition, eachof the saw assemblies except No. 3 includes a sector gear 75 (FIGS. 8, l0 and 12), a sector drive pinion 77, a respective crank 79, 81, 83, a brake mechanism 85 ture for No.1 and No. .2 sawsincludes arespectivecross-' being fixed to the base members, as by welding. The upright support members 39' rest, one on each end portion of'each brace member 37, and ext'en'd'upwardly there fromin generally mutually spacedparallel relation. Each upright support member 39 is -fixed to the respective brace member37,as by welding. .The side members 35 extend in juxtaposed mutually parallel spaced relation the length of themachineless the front extension. Each side member 35 is fixed, as by welding, to the inner sides of a respective set of upright members, sozas to extend generally-in juxtaposed parallel spaced relation abovea respecti've base member. The precise nature of the main frame structure 11 is not a critical part of this invention,

the'pr-incipal requirement being only that the main-frame structure the sufficientlystrong andrigid to serve its purpose. Asshowmthe base members Y33 and brace members v37 are made of steel channel stock, while the upright members 39 and the side members 35v are of modified channel form. More specifically, each side member 35 has a central or web portion 43, a short bottom side 45,and

- a-longer top side 47, with an inwardly and downwardly sloping .flange -t-9 extending from and integral-with the top side. The outer; face'of the respective sidemember central-portion is fixedto the inner faces of the respective upright members, so that the'upperend portions of the upright support members merge with the upper margin of the respective side-membercentral portion; 'Fixed, as by welding, to the'centr'al portion of the inner-face of the Web portion 43 of each side member 35 and extending the length of the respective side member and-parallelthereto is a rack rail 51 having gear teeth 53 on its bottom face.

A section of a side rnember 35 showing details of its structureuand the rack rai-l'51 may-be seen in FIG. 13.. The rack rails51 serve a two-fold purpose. 'First,they serve as rails for the carriage assembly ,13 andthe intermediate :(FIG. 11), and an indicia scale 87, 89, 91.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 10 and 12, the pivot arrn strucbar 93, 95 and a respective pair of cross-bar support arms 97, 99. The cross-bar is in each case fixed at its ends'to the lowerends of the respective arms. The upper ends of thesupport arms 97, 9 are pivotally fixed to the side sheet members 57 at 101. As seen in FIGS. '10 and 12, the support arms 993for the No. 2 saw ar e straight, while the support arms 571for the No. 1 saw are L shaped.

Also, it :maybe noticed that the support arms 97, Q9 for V v the No. 1 and No. 2' saws are pivoted-on a common axis .101 and that the cross-bar 95 for the No. 2 saw pivots inside thecross-bar 93 for the No. 1 saw: Ineach case,

the saw bladefifi ismounted onthe electric drive motor output shaft, and the electric drive motor is mounted to a'bra'cket- Whichis in turn'mounted to therespective cross-bar 93, 95. The bracket in each case is arranged hereinafter more fully explained.

(by means not shown) to allow minor saw blade positioning adjustment for calibration purposes. In addition, the No.2 and No. 3 saws have a special crank operated verticaladjusting mechanism 103 :(FIG. 26), as will be As beforestated, each of the saw assemblies except No. 2 has a sector gear which is fixed to the respective pivot arm structure adjacent one end thereof and drivenbya gear pinion 77 whichis turned by a respective crank 79, 81, 83, to establish the desired angular position 0f the respective saw. The sector gear for No. 1 saw is shown in FIG 12; the sector gear for No.- 2 saw is best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11; and the sector gear for No. 4 sawis best seen in FIG. 8. The view of-FIG. 12 is that I of a portion of the machine looking' fr'omthe right side at the No. l and No. 2 saw common pivot axis 101, with ,portions of the right, side sheet members 57'b1'oken away.

The viewof FIG. 10 is'taken-looking at the No. 2 saw "crank 31 from the left side of the machine, with some parts behind the left side sheet member 57 shown in phantom.

Each of the saw assemblies except .No. 2 also has a brake assembly '85 (FIG. 11). The purpose of the brake assembly in each case is to lock the respective sectorgear 75 at any chosen angular position. A typical such brake is best shown by FIG. 11, which is a perspective view of the No. 2 saw sector gear and brake mechanism, looking upward, frontward, and leftward, from a point inside the machine.

As seen in FIG. 11, the brake mechanism is made up of a firstmetal block 185 which is fixed tothe main frame structure and lies immediately beneath the sector gear 75; a second metal block 1117 juxtaposed relative to and spaced inwardly from the first block and extending above the sector'gear lower extremity so as to be engageable with the sector gear side face surface 109. A bolt 111 is passed through the upper portion of the second block 107 and is fixed to the first block 105, the hole in the second block through which the bolt passes being large enough to allow some rocking movement of the second block 107. A screw .113 is threaded through the first block 165 at the block lower end portion and bears at its end against the second block lower end portion. The screw 113 extends to the machine main frame exterior and has a control knob head 1 15. To lock the brake mechanism, the control knob head 115 is rotated clockwise, forcing the lower end of the second block 107 outward and the upper end inward into tight friction engagement with the sector gear tional view looking into the machine at the right side of the carriage, with the carriage side members and the main frame side members removed for clarity. As above mentioned, No. 3 saw has no sector gear but may assume three operational positions as will be hereinafter explained.

The carriage 13 is driven along the rack rails 51 (FIG. 13) by a carriage drive assembly which includes a drive shaft 135 (see FIG. 8), a pair of gear pinions 55, the rack rails 51, a pair of sprockets 137, 139, a drive chain 141, and a crank 143 (FIG. 2). The drive shaft 135 is journalled on bearings (not shown) and is fixed to the carriage underneath the carriage rear cross beam 119. The gear pinions 55 are fixed on the drive shaft 135 adjacent the outer ends thereof and engages the rack rails 51. The first sprocket 137 is fixed to the right end of drive shaft 135 and-has thereon a drive chain 141 which extends upwardly and over the second sprocket 139 which isfixed to a crank shaft 145 which carries a crank 143. Rotation of the crank 143 then will cause the carriage 113 to traverse longitudinally of the main frame structure 11. As

before stated, the conveyor assemblies are all alike except for the fact that the front one is fixed to the main frame structure 11, the intermediate one 17 is arranged to traverse longitudinally of the main frame structure, and the rear one 19 is fixed to the carriage 13. A typical one of the conveyor assemblies (the intermediate one 17) is mounted on the carriage 13 for'traverse longitudinally of the main frame structure 11. The carriage assembly structure is best shown by FIG. 6 and FIG. 9. FIG. 6

is a plan view of the carriage assembly looking down from a horizontal planellocated just beneath the main frame side member flange portion 49. All partsabove.

this plane have been removed for clarity. The carriage assembly '13 includes a pair'of juxtaposed parallel space side members-117 held in rigid spaced relation by a rear .40 side members 1 17 have an outwardly turned flange at their top edge, and have a heavy metal rod 121 of rectangular 1 cross beam 119 and a carriage conveyor frame 19. The

cross section fixed to their outside faces just below the middle thereof and extending horizontally the length of the side member 117. These rods 121 rest on theupper faces of the rack rails '51 and are slideable thereon. If desired, fiber, plastic, or other suitable material can be fixed to the underside of the rods to reduce the rod-to-rail friction. The rear cross beam 119 is simply 'a large inverted channel member, as can be seen in FIG. 8. The cross beam 119 and the carriage conveyor frame '19 both bridge between the carriage side members 117. vThe carriage conveyor frame 19 will be hereinafter more fully described.

The pivot arm structures for No. 3 and No. 4 saws include a respective cross-bar 123, 125 and a respective pair of cross-bar arms 127, 129. The cross-bar is in each case fixed at its ends to the lower ends of the respective support arms. The upper ends of the support arms are pivotally fixed to the carriage side members 117. As seen in FIGS. 1, 6, and 8, the arms for both No. 3 and 4 saws are straight but the No.4 support arms are longer, and the No. 4 pivot arm structure is generally heavier, since it must support a larger saw for a purposehereinafter more fully explained. The'support arms for the No. 3 and the No. 4 saws are pivoted on a common axis 131, and the No. 3 saw pivot support structure pivots inside (on a shorter radius than) the No. 4 saw pivot structure (see FIG. 7). The No. 3 saw'drive motor 65 is fixed to a bracket which is in turn fixed to the crossbar 123, with provisions (not arm structure 133 which is in turn fixed to the respective cross-bar (see FIG. 7). This extension arm mounts venient manner.

shown by FIGS. 4 and 5 Each conveyor assembly includes a frame 147, a pair of sprockets 149, a conveyor chain 151,.a lift wheel153 and a discharge guide 155. The conveyor frame 147 is made up of a pair of juxtaposed parallel spaced channel members 157 disp0sed in back-to-back relation. The channel members 157 are held in rigid spaced relation by spacer block 1591located at each end portion, and a central spacer member. and chain 1 or shoe support 161. A respective sprocket149 is journalled on a respective transverse shaft 163 which is fixed to the channel members 157 in the spaces between the central spacer member 161 and the end spacer block159. The conveyor'chain 151 runs on the sprockets 163, and has aplurality of dogs 165 fixed to and projecting outwardly from it at spaced intervals. The conveyor chain 151 moves in the direction from left to right across the machine, with the inner surface of the chain resting on the central spacer upper surface so that the material being conveyed is held at a constant level. Also, the front (right) faces of the dogs 165 are square with the chain 151 so as to provideasurfacefor holding the material in the proper position for cut-ting. The lift wheel 153 is mounted to the shaft 163 of the right-hand sprocket 149 to rotate with same and lift the conveyed material up- 'wardly and onto'the discharge guide 155. The discharge guide is simply' a piece of heavy circular rod material bent to have a U shape, with-the ends of the U fixed jtda pair of bracket members 167 whichare inturn fixed to the upper surfaces of the conveyor frame channel members 157. j The discharge guide 155 is shaped inprofile so as to guide the material off the lift wheel 133 and up over the carriage main frame side member 35. The left-hand conveyor sprocket is an idler while the righthand sprocket and the lift wheel 153 are driven. Both the righthand sprocket and the lift wheel have a rectangular central opening 169 through which a rectangular drive shaft 171 is passed. The drive shaft 171 is journalledon a plurality of bearings 173 (FIG. 2) which are fixed to the inner side of the righthand main frame side member 35. The drive shaft 171 extends the length of the side member 35 and parallel thereto.

Theconveyor drive shaft may be driven in anycon- In the embodiment shown, it is driven by an electric motor and gear'reduction 175 (FIGS. 1 and .2) mounted on the rear main frame brace member 37 and having a first pulley 177 mounted on its output shaft, whichpulley carries'a Vbelt 179 which engages 7 I a second pulley 181 which is fixed to the right end of the conveyor drive shaft '17. The conveyer'frame chanto receive the rack rails 51 (see FIG. 4). The intermediate conveyer 17 is provided with suitable bearing shoes (not shown) so that it is supported in slideable relation by'the rack rails'51. All three conveyers 15, 17, 19 are mounted at exactly the same level, and the chain dogs 165 .are precisely aligned so that the material is conveyed in proper position for cutting. The intermediate conveyer 17 is provided with a longitudinal traverse drive assembly which comprises two pairs of sprockets 183 (FIG. 3), two drive shafts 185 (FIG. 11), two drive chains 187, and a crank 189,.(FIG. 2). The drive shafts 185 are journalled to the main frame side members 35, one near the front and one near the rear of the side frame members extending transversely thereof. A pair of sprockets 183 is fixed to each drive shaft 185 adjacent the .end thereof. A respective chain 187 extends from each side of the intermediate conveyejr'frame 147, forward and over the respective front sprocket 183, then rearward and over the respective rear sprocket 183 and then back to the conveyer frame 147. The crank. 189 is fixedto the frontdrive shaft'185 at the right side of the machine. Rotation of the crank .189 causes the intermediate conveyer '17 to traverse longitudinally of the machine. Thus, the intermediate conveyer 17 may be readily positioned in any desired manner relative to the otherconveyers 15,19. In order to. make possible more than oneconveyer chain level for making heel cuts onbottom roof trusschords, heel shoe inserts 191 such as the one shown by FIG.Q 25 are provided.-

Each'heel shoe insert is made up of a rectangularbar nel members 157 are notchedat their outer end portions space betweenthe bracket arms.

cross bar 123 is swungto the 9:00 oclock position (as viewed fromthe left side of the machine) and the retainer pin 2% is lowered to its rest-position in-the cooperating sleeve 2ii7. The sleeve 207 is positioned just such that one side of the lower end of the retainerpin 269 will now bear snugly/against the pivot arm crossbar 123 to hold same-fixed at'the 9:00 oclock position. To retain the No. 3-saW-in the vertical positionthere is provided-aspecial retainer mechanism-including a U shaped bracket 211 which is pivotally'fixed at its upper ends to the sides of the carriage transverse brace member 265 and depends therefrom. A heavy retainer screw 213 (FIGp9) having a control knob head 215 is threaded through the base 217 of the'bracket 211st) as to extend inside the bracket between its sides. A'metal tab protrusion 219 is provided on the'front side of the pivot arm cross-bar 123 immediately beneath the carriage transverse brace member 295. When the pivot arm cross-bar 123 is swung into a position such that the No. 3 saw is in vertical position, the retainer bracket 211 is swung so that the tab protrusion 219 extends into the The upper end of the retainer screw 213 can then bear against the underside 193, atop runner 195 and a handle .197. The bar '193 is the same, length as theconveyer framecentral spacer 161 and sufiiciently lesser in width toprovide convenient clearance -withwchannel members 157. The runner 195 is fixed to 'the top surfaceof'the bar 193 and is slightly corresponding holes. 201 in-the top surface of the con- ;veyer frame central spacer member 161.

As before stated, each of the No. LNo. 2, and No. 1 saw assemblies includes a sectorgear. '75 and associated .meehanismfo'r moving the respective'saw to any desired angular position within its range.

Also, each sector gear 75 hasanindicia scale87, 89, -91.fix'ed toits outer face,

which scale is visible to the operator while rotating the respective .cranks 79, 81, 83. Also; for each indicia, scale there is provided. a fixed reference marker 203such as=those shown in FIGS..8 and 10. I

The No. 3-saw assembly does not have a sector gear,

but is arrangedlto assume any one of three positions.

Thesepositionswill berefer'red to herein as the horizontal, vertical, and right angle positions. When in the horizontal position,the No. 3 .saw blade is lying in a horizontal. plane; when. in the vertical positionthe No.3 -saw bladeis lying ina vertical plane; and whenrinthe =right angle position the No, 3 sawblade is maintained at right angles -With respect to the -No. 4- saw blade.

The mechanism for positioning the No. 3 saw can bestbe seen-inPIGS. 6, 7 and 9. As seen in FIG. 6, the carriage frame .13 includes a transverse brace member 205 in the form of an inverted U channel which bridges between and is:fi.xed atits ends to-the rear cross beam 119 and the conveyerframe 147. Fixed to the left side of tab protrusion 2 19. The retainer screw 213has been pre-adjusted to the exact proper position such that when the tab protrusion 219 is hearing on the upper end of the screw, the No. '3 saw blade is vertical. The weight distribution on the pivot arm is such as to' tend to rotate willbe held firmly in the vertical position.

To retain the No. 3"saw in. the ri ht angle. position,

the pivot arrn cross-member123 0f the No. 3 saw is linked to the pivot arm-'cross-rnember 125 of the No. 4 saw. (see'FIG. 7).

This linkage 22f1=includes a-turnbuckle 223 having a-clevis at each end thereof. The

" first clevis 225 is pivotally fixed to a tab protrusion 227 which in turnis fixedto the upper rear face of the No. 4

vizsaw pivot arm across beam 125 at a-region immediof this transversebrace member .245 and adjacent its forward-end is a sleeve .207 having its bore disposed in vertical position. Cooperating with the sleeve is an inverted L'. shaped retainer pin 209. the'No. 3 saw in its horizontal position, its pivot arm In order to secure;

spect to the No. 4 saw blade. .is moved through its range of angular positions, the No. 3

ately below and to the right ofthe carriage transverse brace member 205. The secondclevis 22? is retnovably fixed by'means of a retainer pin 231 to a tab protrusion.

saw moves through the same angular range but displaced 90.

' Asbefore mentioned, the No. 2 and No. 3 saws'hav a vertical adjusting mechanism,.as shown by FIG. 26.

Tn-some cases-only a single cut is made on one or both ends of the conveyed material. In'such cases, the single cuts are always made by'the No. 1 and 4 saws, and the No. 2 and 3 saws must be moved out of the way of the material. To accomplish this, the No. 2 and 3 saws are first-moved to the horizontal blade position, and then lowered-down out of the way by the vertical adjusting mechanism. In FIG. 26, the bracket v.235 to which the 'motor isfixed is'slideable in a grooved channel 237 locatedin the front face of a second bracket 239 which in turnis fixed to the respective saw pivot arm cross beam :95, 123. A screw crank 241 is journaled on a projection 243 of the. motor bracket 235 which extends below and to the rear of the second bracket 239. The threaded-portion 245 of the screw crank 241 extends upwardly behind the second bracket 239 and threads through a tab protrusion 247 which is fixed to the rear face of the second bracket 23%. Thus, as the crank 241 is turned,'

the motor 65 slides up or down in the groove channel 237. The lower face of the respective pivot arm cross I hold-down ski assemblies 61.

, conveyed material.

beam 95, 123, serves as a stop, so that when the threaded portion 245 of the screw crank 241 is hearing on the cross beam, the respective saw is at its proper operating level.

The hood assemblies 27, 29, as shown in FIG. 1, serve primarily to protect the machine operator from wood scraps that may be thrown out by the saws. The hood assemblies form no critical part of the present invention and so will not be described in detail herein.

As the conveyed material is passed through the saws it needs to be held firmly inproper cutting position. To aid in this function there is provided a pair of material The hold-down skis 249 are located so as to be near the cuts on each end of the Each ski assembly is mounted on a respective hood frame and depends therefrom (see FIG. 1). Each ski is spring-biased so as to have some flexibility in the vertical direction and yet always apply pressure to the top side of the conveyedmaterial. Also, the skis are provided with some vertical adjustment to take care of different material widths. This vertical adjustment in the embodiment shown is accomplished by means of a short rack and pinion arrangement. In order to properly position the conveyed material in the longitudinal direction, a material stop guide 251 is provided at the conveyer level on the left front region of the machine (see FIG: 2). Each piece of conveyed material is moved over against this stop as it is loaded onto the conveyer;

In order that the conveyed material may pass freely over the saw blades as the respective cuts are made, the saw blades are all mounted so that their outer faces present a smooth surface, with no shaft or retainer nut protrusions. The machine is provided with suitable ejector mechanisms 7 for disposing of the material scraps as they are cut, but

such ejector mechanism is notpart of the present invention and therefore has not been shown or described.

The electric control assembly includes a start-stop switch 253 (FIG. 1) for each saw motor plus a start-stop switch 255 and a controller 257 for the conveyer motor. These switches are connected to a power source (not shown) and by electric cables to the respective motors. The electric cables for the No. 3 and No. 4 motors are carried by a conduit 259 fixed to a machine main frame side member 35 to terminal boxes 261, from whence loop cables (not shown) connect to the motors, allowing free-' dom of carriage movement. The conveyer controller has a control handle 263 which has a neutral, forward, and reverse position, so that the operator may at all times have full control of the material being conveyed. The position of the carriage 13, determining the length of the finished pieces of conveyed material is indicated at all Q times by a simple linear :tape scale 265 which is marked infect, inches, and inch fractions. is fixed to the upper flange portion of the right-hand This tape scale 265 main frame side member, and extends substantially the length of the machine. A pointer'267 located on the carriage structure (see FIG. 8), indicates the position of the carriage 13 relative to the. linear tape scale 265.

In order to best explain theoperation of the present invention, particular reference will be made to FIGS. 17

through'24. Since the machine as shown and described is set up" in particular for cutting roof truss members, its

operation will be explained in that connection. It will be apparent, however, that the principles of the present invention may also be applied to the cutting of other types of building component members as well.

In FIG. 20 there is-shown a typical side of a roof truss of the kingpost type. The component members of this roof truss are commonly referredto as the top chord'269, the B web 271, the C web 273, the bottom chord 2-75, and the kingpo'st 277. To set the machine up to cut top chord component members 269, with slope and span known, the operator consults a pre-calculated specification data sheet provided with the machines, and

notes the member length and the indicia setting for each of No. 1 and No. 4 saws. Since only a single cut is required at each end, the No. 2 and No. 3 saws are moved to their horizontal positions and cranked down below the conveyor level. The No. l and No. 4 saws are then cranked to the proper settings and locked. The.

carriage 13-is then traversed until the tape indicator 267 reads the given member length. Then the first piece of lumber is placed on the conveyor and moved over against the stop 251. The conveyor motor 175 is then started and the conveyor '15, 17, 19 is advanced untilthe lumber is beneath the near ends of the skis 249. Then the skis are adjusted to have siutable bearing pressure on the lumber top face. Next, the No. 1 and No.4 saw motors are started and allowed to reach full speed. Then the is shown in FIG. 22.

It should be noted that theworkpieces are fed from the left side of the machine by being placed or moved onto the conveyors 15, 17, 19, the level of which is slightly below the level of the upper extremities of the main frame side members as may be seen from FIG. 8.

The pivot 131 is also beneath the upper extremity of the main frame side members 35. The same is true for pivot 101, as will be apparent from FIGS. 10 and 12. However, as is readily apparent from FIGS. 2 and 6, the space between the pivots 101 and 131 is clear, so that once a workpiece is lifted over the side 35 of the machine and placed down on the conveyor, it can 'move freely through the saws and then be lifted out on the far side of the machine by means of the conveyor lift wheels 153 (see FIG. 4) and the discharge guides 155.

Next, to set the machine up to cut the typical bottom chord member 275, the operator again consults the specification sheet and notes the indicia settings and length. The No. 1 saw is moved to the proper indicia position 1 and locked. TheNo. 2 saw remains out of play. The

No. 3 saw is moved to its vertical position. The No. 4

saw is moved to the proper indicia position and locked.

Next, to set the machine up to cut the typical'kingpost member 277, the operator again consults the specification sheet and notes the indicia settings and length. The No. 1 saw is moved to the proper indicia position and locked. The No. 2 saw is cranked up to operating position and then rotated to the proper indicia position and locked. The No. 3' saw is moved to the horizontal position and cranked down out of play. The No. 4 saw-is moved to the proper indicia setting and locked. The carriage is traversed to the proper tape length reading and the heel shoes'191 are removed. Then the test piece is cut and checked .as before. through the machine in the same manneras before. The profiles of the saws for cutting the typical kingpost member 277 is shown by FIG. 23.

The machine set up for cutting the typical C web member 273 is the same as that for the top chord 269 except for length and angular postion of the No. 1 saw. The minimum length C web that can be outwith a standard machine is about 32' inches. F-or cases where the C web is less than 32 inches long (which is the case with our typical truss member) either one of two procedures may be followed. First, the top chord members can be cut with enough drop-off at the righthand end tomake a C web.

Then production pieces are run manner.

is particularly set up to make.

chine cutting jobs. that the respective common pivot axis contain-therespecmember 27L'the'operator again consults the specification sheet and notes the-saw-i'ndicia settings and length. The No.6 saw is moved to its right angle position (its pivot arm cross beam linked to the pivot arm cross beam of No. 4 saw). Then No. 1, 2 and 4 saws are moved to the proper indicia settings and locked. The carriage 'is then traversed to the proper tape length reading. Then the test piece is cut and checked as before.

Then production pieces are run through the machine in the usual The-profiles of the saws for cutting the typical B web member-271 are shown in perspective in FIG. '17.

As hereinbefore mentioned, the pivot arms for the No.

1 and No. 2 saws have a common pivot axis 191, and the pivot arrnsof the No. 3 and No; 4 saw'have a common pivot axis 131. Now each saw when iii-operating position is fixedrelative to -its pivot arm so that its blade is contained by the respective common pivot axis. The. com- -rnon pivot axis may pass through'a diameter of the saw or it may pass through a chord. The common pivot axis 101 her the No. l and No. 2 saw and the common pivot axis 131 for the No. 3 and'No. 4 saw are shown in FIG.

17. As shown, the common pivot axis for the No. l and- No. 2 saws passes through chords of the saw blades, and

the common pivot axis for the No. 3 and No. 4 saw passes through a diameter ofthe No. 3 saw and a chord of the 1N0. 4 saw. The positioning ofithe saw blades relative to the respective pivot axes as shown'by FIG. l7'has been determined as convenient for the truss cuts the machine Other relative saw blade to common axis positions might be used for different ma- The important thing-inallcases is tive saw blades.

The range of angulation-of the'No. l and No. 2 saws is shown in FIG. l8, whiie the range of angu-lation of the No. 3 and No. 4 saws is shown in FIGJQ. Furthen'the ,common pivot :axis M51 and relative saw blade positions for the No. l and No. 2 saws is shown in FIG. 18, and thefcommonpivot axis 131and relative'saw'blade positions for'the No. 3 and'No. 4 saws is shown in FIG. 19. It maybe noted that No. 3 saw is either in the horizontal degree) position or the vertical (90 degree) position or itmay traverse the angular range of -the No. 4 saw but at right angles to the No. 4' saw throughout this range. The common pivot axes of the two pairs of saws are at the precise same level and are mutually parallel, and are at a chosen level relative to the conveyor level. This means that the desired line of merger of'two cuts made at ancnd of the conveyed member will contain the respcctivecommon axis. Further, for a given carriage position, the distancebetween the 'linesof intersection of pairs of saw cuts remains the'same regardless of the angular positions of the, saws. The result is that the saws may be set up in any angular relation, i'or cutting any one of many types of truss memberaand the length of the member may always be set by, simply traversing'the: carriageto where its pointer indicates the desired length on the linear tape 265.,

It will be seen that the angular adjumment of saws No. 1 and N0, 2 about the" common pivot axis 101, and the angular adjustment of saws N0. 3 and N0. 4 about the common pivot axis 13], is such that the saws are always confined-t0 move along a prescribed, path defined as a circolor are the center of which is the respective common pivot axis about which the supporting structureforv the respective sawmoves.

Typical indicia scales for the No. I, No. 2, an-d'No. 4

saws, are shown by FIGS 14, 15, 16, respectively. It

12 will be noticed that-each indicia scale has a section marked for each trussmember of two commonly used types of trusses, namely the'Fink and the Kingpost trusses. Actual number markings on the scales have been omitted for convenience in the drawings, but of course are present on the scales as actually "used. The angular setting for a'particular'saw is readily made by merely'matching a-poin terwith the scale numberin the proper scale section as noted from the specification sheet. Such scales, marked directly'in-truss terms area great convenience and save significantly on machine set-up time. It is understood-that other scales could be supplied for other trusses or component cutting jobs.

-'It should be mentioned that the saws are preferably displaced one from the otherin the direction transverse of the machine main frame such that the cuts on a particular iece'of conveyed material are not made simultaneously,

but are made insuccession, one at a time. This arrangement greatly reduces-the machine overall electric power requirements. :The No. 4 saw is larger-than the others because itsblademust'have a larger diameter, since in some cases it must make long kerf cuts.

The foregoing disclosure and the showings made in the drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are-not tobe interpreted in a limiting sense.

I claim: i

l. A building component member cutting machinecornprising a main frame; first andsecond pivot arm structurestpivotallyffixwto'said mainframe about a first common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of said mainframe, first and second electric motor driven circular sawss mounted onsaid respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their. respective bladesis coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on said" main frame for traverselongitudinally of said main frame, third and-fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said carriage about-a second common horizontal pivot axis-extending parallel to said first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respectivethird and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord oftheir respective blades iscoincident with-said second common pivot axis,

a linear'tape extending longitudinally of said mainframe for indicating the distance between said common Ipivot axes, a-material conveyer traversing said main frame between said saw'pairsand at apredetermined level relative to said common pivot axes, and means for fixing said saws in a pluralityof predetermined relative angular positions.

2. A'building component member cutting machine cornprising a main frame, first and-second pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said mainframe about a first common horizontal pivot axis extendingtransverselyof said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chordof their respective blades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth pivot'arm structures pivotally fixed to :said carriage about a second common'horizontal pivotaxisextending parallel to said'first commonjpivotaxis and at the same level thereof, thirdand fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second commen pivot axis, a lineartapeextending longitudinally of said'main frame for-indicating the distance between said common pivot axes,ya material conveyor traversing said inain' fra'me between said "saw pairs and at a predeter:

mined level relative to said'common pivot axes, means for moving each said saw'through a'predetermined range of angular. positions and for retainingeach said saw in any selected position Within its angular range.

3. A building component member cuttingmachine comprising a main frame, first and second pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said main frame about a first common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth pivot arm structures'pivotally fixed to said carriage about a second common horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to said first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said-second common pivot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes, a material conveyertraversing said mam frarne between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common pivot axes, means for moving all but one of said saws through a predeter- 'main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with frame for traverse longitudinally'of said main frame,

'third and fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said carriage about a second common horizontal pivot.

axis extending parallel to said first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes, a material conveyor traversing said main frame between said saw pairs and at a predetermined lcvel relative to said common pivot axes, means for moving each said saw through a predetermined range of angular positions'and retaining-each said saw in any scale associated with each said saw. v

A building component member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first 'andsecond pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said main frame about a first'common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of said selected position within its angular range, and an indicia main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted'on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said carriage about a second common horizontal pivot said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on said main t 6. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein 7 said indicia scales are graduated in roof truss terms.

7. The invention in accordance with claim 5, wherein said indicia scales are graduated in roof truss terms.

8. A building component member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first and second pivot arm struc tures pivotally fixed to said main frame about a first'common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of said and at the, same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes, a material conveyer traversing said main frame between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to'said common pivot axes, means for moving all but said third saw through a predetermined range of angular positions and for retaining each said saw in any selected position within its angular range, and means, for retaining said third saw in any selected one ofa plurality of predetermined positions, one of which is a fixed position relative to said fourth saw so that said third saw can traverse the angularrange of said fourth saw but at a fixed angle relative to said fourth saw. 9. 'A building component member cutting machine, comprisin'ga main, frame,-first and second pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said 'main frame about a first common horizontal pivot axisextending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, thirdand fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said carriage about a second common horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to said first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective 'third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, a linear tape extending :longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes, a material conveyer traversing said main frame between said saw pairs and at a predeterminedlevel positions and retaining eachsaid saw in any selected position within its angular range, and meansfor moving 1 and retaining'qeither or both of' said second and third axis extending parallel to said first common pivot axis I and at the same level. thereof, third and fourth' motor saws in an out of playgosition.

10, A building component member cutting machine comprising ai;main frame, first and second pivot arm struc- -"tures pivotally fixed to said main frame about a first comdriven circular saws mounted onsaidr'espective third 1 and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of mon horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electricflmotor driven circular saws mounted onsaid respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said main frame for indicating the distance between said 3 and for retaining each said saw in a selected position within its angular range, an indicia scale associated with each said saw but one, and means for retaining the other said saw' in any selected one of a plurality of predeterv mined positions.

said common pivot axis, a carriage, mountedon said main frame'for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixedto said carriage about a second commonhorizontal pivot axis ex- Y tending parallel to saidfirst common pivot axis and at the same levelthereof, thirdand fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot-axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes, a material conveyer traversing said main frame between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common pivot axes, meansformoving all but one of said saws through a predetermined range of angular positions and for retaining each said saw in any selected position Within its angular range, and means for retaining the other said saw in any selected one of a plurality of "predetermined positions one of which is an out of play position.

11. A building component member cutting machine comprising a main-'frame,-first andsecond pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said main frame about a'first common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular.

saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respectiveblades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted-on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame,

third and fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said carriage abouta second common horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to said first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourthmotor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with "said second common pivot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common-pivot axes, a'material conveyer traversing said/main vframe between said saw pairs and at'a predeterminedilevel relative to said common pivot axes, means for moving all but said third saw through a predetermined range of angular positions 'and'forretaining each said sawin' any 1 selected position within its angularrange, and means for selectively linking the pivot arm structure ofsaid third frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to said carriage about a second common horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to said first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, a linear rtape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes,

a material conveyer traversing said main frame between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common pivot axes, means for moving each said saw through a predetermined range of angular positions and retaining each said saw in any selectedposition within its angular range, and crankand screw means for moving the second and third saw. blades away from the respective commonypivot axes.

14. A building component member cutting machine and fourth pivot arm structurespivotally fixed to said car- 'riage about a second common horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to said first common pivotaxis and at the same level vthereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws 'mounted .onvsaid respective'third and fourth pivot arm structures such that a'chord of their respective blades is coincident with said-second common pivot axis, a linear t-ape extending longitudinally of said mainframe for 'indieating the'distance between said common pivot axes, a

' material conveyer traversing said main frame between said saw to that of said fourth saw so that said third saw may I move through the angular range of said fourth saw with a predetermined fixed angular relation between said third and fourth saws.

12. A building component member cutting machine comprising a main fraine,;first--and second pivot arm structures pivotally fixed to saidmainframe about a first common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely of; said main frame, firstand second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot arm structure such that a chord of their respectiveblades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on said-main "frame for traverse longitudinally of said-main frame, third and fourth'pivot arm structure's pivotally fixedto said carriage about a second common liorizontalpivot axis..ex-'

tending parallel to said first common pivot axisvand at the same level thereon-third and fourth motor driven'circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourthpivo-t ,arm' structuressuch that a chord'o'f their respective blades is coincident with said second com-monpiVot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally. of'said -main frame fo'r inv V dicating the distance betweens'aidcoim'm n=pivot axes, a

material conveyer traversing said" main frame between said saw pairs-and at apredeterr'nined level relative to said common pivot axes, means for movingeach said sawthrough a predetermined range of angular positionsand retaining each said w in .any sel'ected position within its. angular range, andmeans'for moving the second and third saw. blades away from the respective common pivot 'a xes.

13; Albuilding component member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first andsec'ond pivot arm-structuresp'ivotally fixed to said mainframe about a'first common horizontal pivot axis extending transversely. of said mainframe, first and second electric motor driven circular within its angular range, means for retaining said third saws mounted onsaid'respectivepivot arm structure'su'ch 1 I .that a'chord of their respective blades is coincident with said common pivot axis, a carriage mounted on'said main 1 saw pairsand at a predetermined level relative to said common pivot axes, means for moving all but said third saw through a "predetermined range of angular positions and for retaining each said saw in any selected position saw in any selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions, and meansfor moving the second and third saw bladesaway from the'respective common pivot axes.

1'5.v A building component member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first and second pivot arm structures pivot'ally fixed to said main frame about a first common horizontal pivot axis extetnding transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor. driven circular saws mounted on said respective pivot tarm structure such that a chordof their respective blades is coincident with saidcommon pivot axis, a carriage mounted on saidmain frame for traverse longitudinally of said mam frame, third and fourth :pivot iarrn structures pivotally fixed 'to said carriage about a second common horizontal pivot axis extending parallel tosaid first common pivot axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth pivot' arm structures such that; a chord of their respective blades is coincident with said second commonrpivot axis, a linear tape extending longitudinally of said main frame for indicating the distance between said common pivot axes, a material conveyer traversing said main frame between said i saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common pivot axes, means for moving all but said third saw througha predetermined range of angular positions and for retaining each said saw in any selected position within its angular range, meansfor retaining said thirds saw in any selected one of 'a plurality of predetermined positions, and cnank' and screw means for moving the second and third .saw blades away from the respective common pivot axes.

16.,The invention in accordance with claim 2, wherein the angular ranges ofv the first second, third, and fourth saws readingcounterclockwise are approximately 10 to 17 135 degrees, 288 to degrees, 180 to 270 degrees, and 90 to 162 degrees, respectively.

17. The invention in laccordance with claim 8 wherein the angular ranges of the first, second and fourth saws reading counterclockwise is approximately 10 to 135 degrees, 288 to 0 degrees, and 90 to 162 degrees, respectively, and the said fixed angle is 90 degrees.

18. The invention in accordance withclaim 2, with means for varying said predetermined level of said material conveyor.

19. The invention in accordance with claim 3, with means for varying said predetermined level of said material conveyor. I

20. The invention in accordance with claim 2, wherein the second and third saws and their pivot arm structures are omitted.

21. A building component member cutting machine.

comprising a main frame, first and second support structures movably secured to said main frame so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a first common horizontal axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective support structures such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said common axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and'fourth support structures movably secured to said carriage so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a said common pivot axis, a material conveyor tnaversing said main frame between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common axes, and means for fixing said saws in a plurality of predetermined relative angular positions.

22. A building component member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first and second support structures movably secured to said main frame so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a first common horizontal axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective support structure such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said common axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame,'third and fourth support structures movably securred to said carriage so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a second common horizontal axis extending parallel to said first common axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth support structures such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, means for supporting workpieces for passing same between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common axes, and means for fixing said saws in a selected relative angular position.

23. The invention in accordance with claim 22, wherein the second and third saws and their support structures are omitted.

24. A building component member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first and second support structures movably secured to said main frame so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a first common horizontal axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective support structures such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said common axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth support structures movably secured to said carriage so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a second common horizontal axis extending parallel to said'fir'st-common axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth support structures such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, means for supporting workpieces for passing same between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common axes, and means for moving all but said third saw through a predetermined range of angular positions and for retaining each said saw in any selected position within its angular range, and means for retaining said third saw in any selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions, one of which is a fixed position relative to said fourth saw so that said third saw can traverse the angular range of said fourth saw but at a fixed angle relative to said fourth saw.

25. A building component. member cutting machine comprising a main frame, first and second support struc tures movably secured to said main frame so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a first common horizontal'axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective support structure such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said common axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth support structures movably secured to said carriage so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a second common horizontal axis extending parallel to said first common axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth support structures such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, means for supporting workpieces for passing same between said saw pairs and at a predetermined level relative to said common axes, means for moving each said saw through a predetermined range of angular positions and retaining each said saw in any,

common horizontal axis extending transversely of said main frame, first and second electric motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective support structure such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said common axis, a carriage mounted on said main frame for traverse longitudinally of said main frame, third and fourth support structures movably secured to said carriage so as to be [adjustable about] confined to move along a prescribed path defined as a circular arc the center of which is a second common horizontal axis extending parallel to said first common axis and at the same level thereof, third and fourth motor driven circular saws mounted on said respective third and fourth support structures such that a chord of each of their respective blades is coincident with said second common pivot axis, means for supporting workpieces for 19 passing sarn'e between said saw pairs ,and at a predetermined level relative to said common axes, means for moving all'but one of said saws through a predetermined range of angular positions and for retainingeach said saw in any selectedposition within its angular range, and

means for retaining the other said saw in any selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions, one of whic is an out of play position. r

of record: in the patented file of this patent or the original patent.

UNITED STATES PATENTS. 7

War-moth. Marion. Johnson.

7 Howard et al.

Fraser. Mooradian. 

